Author's Notes: I hope I am not going too fast. I just love this. It get so much out of writing it and since other people enjoy it I'm only encouraged to do even more. I really love this verse, and apparently I've got fanarts coming, though I know not what I do to deserve them. Oh, and of last chapter I passed the 20k mark on words. That means that as of Chapter 4 only one of my stories here is larger than it, other then the whole compilation that is Blue Prints For Life.

Chapter 5

"Nidus," a voice came, cutting through pleasant dreams of unassisted flight. The voice echoed through his dream, becoming the whole world calling out to him. It wasn't his name of course, but it was close enough for Nida to not notice it and sleep happily on. It wasn't until a hand rested upon his shoulder that Nida awoke, and even then it was only because the weight distracted him from flight.

"Nidus wake up," the voice repeated, the hand at his shoulder gently shaking him. He groaned and rolled away from the hand. He didn't want to wake up yet. He was comfortable here in Cid's…

This was when the eyes of the SeeD popped open, and his hand sought about for Cid, who really should have been behind him. The blond shouldn't have been able to sneak away from him during the night, and shouldn't have wanted to. Their bodies had fit together so well when Cid held him, surely he would have known when Cid had left him. Nonetheless the pilot wasn't there, and Nida was soon forced to roll over and look at Shera.

"It's Nida," he mumbled, slowly sitting up and glaring at the window that was pouring in sunshine.

"So said Yuffie, but I hadn't been told by you, so I didn't want to take any liberties."

"You have more than enough right to do so," Nida chuckled as he stretched. "I am imposing upon you by being here after all. Giving you extra work to do…"

"The place hasn't been cleaner in years. And Captain hasn't sworn much since you got here."

Nida was rather sure she exaggerated on that last part there, but he didn't say so. All he did was smile and pull the sheets around his body. "What time is it?"

"Almost noon. Cid just went out to see to our guests."

"Guests?" This was followed quickly by, "NOON!?"

"Is there a problem?" Shera asked, backing away from the bed as Nida leapt up, sheets around him, and watched him rush to the dresser.

"Why did you two let me sleep this long? I've never slept so late in my life."

"Captain said you didn't sleep well, so we didn't want to wake you. Why does it matter? I didn't think you had anywhere to be."

The woman had a point, but Nida wasn't willing to admit that. In annoyance he began to rummage through the dresser, wishing Cid had something other than the blue shirts and loose pants that were too short on him. If there was anything else at all he would have taken it happily, but there was nothing. He took out a pair of pants and a shirt.

"Wait," Shera said, rushing over. "I have something for you."

She held out a bundle of clothes, familiar enough to him. So familiar that Nida was speechless. His uniform, completely unharmed. Carefully his fingers brushed the familiar collar, something that was always tight enough to make things just a bit uncomfortable. Pants with seams so perfect, so sharp, that they might just be able to cut paper. A shirt tailored so well to his body that it felt like a second skin. The beautiful embroidery at the chest. The mark of a SeeD, even his pilot wings, which were shaped like Quez, and his pips of rank were there.

"My…"

"We found you in this. I've been trying my best to repair it. Didn't want to give it to you until it was as perfect as possible. But seeing as the others should be coming today, you'd probably feel better in your own clothes."

"This is… amazing," he said, unable to do more than whisper. Taking the clothes he just stood there for a while, running a thumb over his pilot wings. "Thank you… so much."

She smiled and turned away. The woman paused at the door and turned to smile at him. "You're not going to thank me in a moment. You've got ten minutes to clean yourself up and get breakfast before the Captain brings everyone here. They will be out back. You best hurry yourself up if you want to make a better impression on them than you did on Miss Yuffie."

Luckily for Shera she made it out of the room before the pillow that had been used to assault Cid the night before was thrown after her. It whumped harmlessly against the door and fell to the floor, leaving Nida alone with his uniform and his thoughts. After a few moments he shifted his grip on the uniform, gathered up the socks and boots that had been left from the night before, and made his way for the bathroom. A shower was most definitely in place.

--------

After a piece of toast and a cup of tea Nida headed out through the back door, finally ready to deal with whoever these guests Shera mentioned were. What he hadn't expected was the utter silence that answered his appearance in the back yard. There was a group of people there alright: all from the picture he'd seen in Cid's spare room. Yuffie and another woman (who reminded him in passing of Edea body wise, but radiated a Quistis like presence) were seated in kitchen chairs that Cid had brought outside. One large man, built a lot like Raijin, but with a gun grafted on to his right arm leaned carefully against the fence. Under one of the wings of the Tiny Bronco was a man with dark hair wrapped in black leather and a crimson cloak. Nida could even see gold peeking from under the crimson, but what it would be he wasn't sure. Beside that man was another one in a long blue coat, who was standing straighter and was sporting what could be nothing other than a well kept mullet, with an odd cat wearing boots and a crown at his feet. There was a blond man as well, who had his back to Nida, but had turned enough to look over his shoulder at him. What he wore looked as much like the uniform of a warrior as what Nida wore. Then there was Cid, watching him with eyes wide from atop a wing. And none of them looked all that prepared to see him.

Nida's first action was to look over his clothes. Sure he hadn't gotten a stain on them already. Or what if there was a horrible hole? What if his fly was open? But none of these were in evidence. His next suspicion was that his face was dirty, but surely Shera would have warned him. Finally all he could do was put his hands together and shift nervously from foot to foor.

"He looks like a glorified Turk," the large man against the fence spoke. "Even stands like that bald one."

"He's no Turk," the cloaked man countered, his voice rough and scratchy. "Not only do they stick around Rufus constantly these days, but they aren't big on embellishments upon their suits."

"I've never seen his face before. Not even in Heidegger's files," said the one with the long coat.

"Deep Ground wasn't in the files either," the woman beside Yuffie seemed to point out.

"He's not from Qutai," the princess quickly added.

"Kid's also a damned good mechanic," Cid tossed in helpfully. All the while Nida continued to twitch nervously. He hated being spoken about like this.

"You said he performed magic without materia. Even I can't do that!"

Nida almost jumped when the black and white cat at the feet of the man with the mullet spoke.

"No one since the Cetra has been able to," came a deep, earthy voice from directly behind Nida. The man whirled, instantly slipping into a defensive stance.

What he faced looked a bit lion-like, but also a bit wolfish. The body and tail were more feline while the head, and the sheer size and strength of the body was more canine. There was a partial mane and one of the eyes was scarred. The thing's whole body was covered in red fur and scars, all accented by tribal tattoos and strings of feathers and beads. At it's ankles were gold paw bracelets and at the end of the thing's tail were live flames.

"Looks like you scared him Red," Yuffie chuckled.

There was laughter of varied enthusiasm from the others until a new voice joined into the conversation. The blond. The one that looked like a fighter, with a harness on his back that held a rather large sword. When he spoke the others grew silent.

"Your name is Nida, right?"

Something in the tone made it an order instead of just a question. That something mad Nida turn to regard the blond and made him want to salute. But he refused to let his body do so. This man had no control over him or what he did… right?

"Yes."

"What is the metal?" the blond asked, and again it somehow turned into an order.

"My pilot wings."

"They are silver and gold…"

"They mean that there is nothing I can't fly." Nida wanted so badly to add 'sir'. It almost felt like he was before a really annoyed Squall.

"And those… at your neck…"

The pilot took a deep breath. Apparently it was time to be out with it, like it or not. This wasn't the kind of person you lied to. Then again, these didn't seem like the kind of people who would just take him at his word, not even Cid, not in this. But he could not deny that voice. He had to speak.

"My rank."

The other assembled pondered this response, as evasive as it was, or so they seemed. Mumbling that had been going on died away again and they all waited tensely for how the swordsman would react. The only ones that didn't seem so shocked were the one with the cloak and the one with the mullet to a lesser extent.

"Name and rank," the blond insisted, his voice snapping in the way Seifer's did when he dealt with the new cadet.

"Nida Nomura, Class A SeeD and…" There was another deep breath as he prepared himself for what would come after the revelation. "Major General in charge of the Allied Air Forces."

"He can't be serious!" mullet-man protested instantly, stepping towards the blond. "he's far too young! Are we to believe this kid is a Three-Star General!?"

To this the one in the cloak reached out to hold his companion back. "Sephiroth was a Four-Star General before he was twenty, and a Five-Star General before his death. You should never underestimate one based upon age."

"The kid is delusional!" the large man shouted, earning a glare and a loud 'hey!' from Yuffie.

"Vincent is right. It is possible. But Barret has a point too. If he was what he said he was we would know of him…" came the voice of the dark haired woman beside Yuffie.

"Will ya'll shut up?!" Cid finally barked out. "Spike is handling this all rather well. He's getting more answers from the kid in five minutes than I got all week."

"Cid," Yuffie said, keeping her voice sweet and pretty, "I got more answers from him in five minutes than you did in a week."

The blonde pilot grumbled and lit himself a new cigarette off of the tip of the old. Nida wanted to smile at the sight, and an odd fondness was welling up inside of him. More than anything he wanted to go to Cid's side and pluck that damn smoke from his lips. He wanted to kiss the callous bastard and taste the tobacco and revel in the feeling. There was an odd urge to lay claim to a man who was, as of yet, not his to claim. To end all their questions by giving them a few more and those would come pre-packaged with his answers. And he wanted to stop that damn grumbling.

"What is your weapon?" 'Spike' asked as if there was no one else there but the two fo them.

"He took on four Nibel Wolves on with nothing but his fists," Cid offered.

"Bladed staves, pole arms, spears to a lesser extent. I also have some experience with swords, but not much…"

The swordsman nodded and turned to face him at least. Nida could feel those powerful eyes on him. He had friends who hadn't mastered that look. Squall only had it on his worst, or was it best, days.

"Cid… Spear…" Spike demanded.

"Kid knows where they are."

"Got any without a spearhead?" Nida questioned.

"Well, there is a Full Metal Staff in the extra room. But… it's one of hers…"

So many people should not be capable of being that quiet, but they were. They looked at one another, some silent debate going on for a few moments. Nida wasn't sure just what the matter was. If Cloud wanted him to have a weapon, he should have a weapon. If no one else was using the weapon then it was fair game, right?

At length Cloud nodded. "I don't think she'd mind in a situation like this. Go get it. Everyone else…"

There was nothing else that needed said. Already the people were moving. Cid rushed off to fetch the weapon. The large man, Barret, helped Vincent and Mullet-Man push the Tiny Bronco a bit out of the way as Yuffie and the other woman moved the chairs. The large red creature and the small cat moved out of the way to rest by the fence, where everyone was soon assembled. Something, maybe the tension in the air, told Nida that things were about to become very serious very fast, and how much they believed him and would possibly be willing to help all rested in the hands of this blond swordsman before him.

When Cid returned it was with a weapon that was rather unremarkable in Nida's opinion, and he could not understand why the others had made such a fuss about it (silent as it was). At least, he couldn't until he laid his hands upon it. Suddenly he understood the reverence in Cid as he held the bladed staff out, at least in part. Sure, it was gaudy to look upon, and the thing didn't look as if it could hold his weight, but when he touched the metal it was so wonderfully warm. A chill ran up his arm and he could faintly hear a tinkling laugh. Approval? Amusement? He wasn't quite sure what the laughter was about, but he knew there was something to the weapon and whoever had held it before him.

"Will it do?" Spike asked as Nida's hands closed around the weapon at last.

"I am honored to use it," came the SeeD's response as he bowed. "Might I have a chance to familiarize myself with it before we begin?"

The swordsman nodded and Cid quickly backed out of the way. Part of Nida's mind shut down, and he didn't quite hear the whispers of 'Deep Ground' among Cid's friends. Instead Nida let his fingers brush lovingly up and down the length of the metal staff, inspect the sharpness of the blades, and test the strength of the metal alloy. Yes, this would most definitely do.

With the weapon secure in one hand Nida silently went through a quick warm-up routine, stretching his body and preparing his mind all in one quick series of movements. All the while the staff spun through his fingers and Nida could hear the sweet laughter as the blade cut through the air. Once he was sure of the balance and weight (both of those being perfect and far better than the weapons that had been custom made for him back home) Nida slid easily into a defensive stance, weapon held loosely in his hands before him.

"When you are prepared," he spoke, or rather, he let the words flow out through him.

The man's sword, which probably weighed about as much as Yuffie, was pulled out with only one hand, and raised before him in what Nida assumed was a traditional salute before a spar in this place. All Squall usually did was prepare himself and nod. Attack came if you were ready or not. But this blond was different. Yes, he was just as calm and commanding, but he already seemed to be ready to hold back. There would be no fun in holding back, no honor. Nida would have to lure him out into a real fight.

"My name is Cloud," the blond said softly, moving into a more offensive stance himself. "No magic in battle. And no limits. We'd only tear up Cid's yard."

Nida nodded his agreement. He understood the rules, even made the logical leap that the 'limit' Cloud spoke of was probably a reference to limit breaks, which wear only called breaks back home. There would be no fun in that after all. Sparring was about two people coming repeatedly within inches of their lives and always just barely missing that last time. A near miss could so easily become a final hit and everything would end. That was part of the rush, the joy.

The other part of that rush and that joy came with the sudden lunge of Cloud, his large sword cleaving through the air. It was obvious that the blow could, if not properly parried, or used by a man who was this much of a master, easily split his skull open. This man knew what he was doing, but, luckily for Nida, so did he. The staff came up at the last possible moment, easily sliding against the sword and pushing it to one side as the rest of Nida spun in the other direction. As soon as the spin stopped Nida's foot lashed out in a kick intended for Cloud's head. Of course the blonde easily backed away and twisted both blade and body to come at Nida from the unprotected side.

Again the staff came between the blade and soft flesh, expertly deflecting with half of the motion and allowing Nida to attempt a counter attack before his movements were complete. It went on like that for a few more attacks from either side until the two had gotten their 'hello's out of the way. Then, with a smirk from both, the real fun began. Now that they knew the rhythm, it was time to get serious.

Nida leapt nimbly over a slash aimed for his legs and before he had even landed thrust forward at Cloud's head. The sword was brought up just in time for Cloud to block a series of quick jabs thrown at head, arms, torso and legs. And the second Nida backed off for a breath Cloud was lunging forward, returning Nida's previous jabs with several of his own, warranting some quick evasion by the younger man. After a jab at his head Nida slid easily to the ground and the staff swept out, attempting to take Cloud off of his feet. Before it could the blond was jumping over the staff and the sword was swung with apparent intentions to take off Nida's head. The SeeD placed both of his hands firmly upon the staff and the staff upon the ground, allowing his legs freedom to kick both sword and leg of his opponent. As Cloud stumbled backwards Nida flipped back to his feet and carefully placed his weapon behind his neck and wrapped around his forearm. The move gave him extra control of the light weight staff as he unleashed another series of jabs that were narrowly avoided, and before Cloud could counter the Seed released the grip of the arm wrapped around the staff so that he might swung the whole thing around his body and hit the man solidly in the side. Luckily no blade came into play, and the combatants backed off for a minute, one grinning the other merely smirking.

For a few moments they circled each other, weapons at ready, before Nida made his move. The end of one blade was planted firmly in the ground and the whole staff was used as a pole to allow him to deliver a kick to Cloud's stomach. It was a move that often worked upon Squall, but this man was smarter than that. Part of the skill of a gunblade master was in keeping your foe at just the perfect range to leave anything but another gunblade awkward. This man took his advantage from the size and weight of his weapon. No one could expect him to move as fast as he did, as gracefully as he could, but he did it anyway. The large weapon came up between them and Nida's foot hit square in the middle of it. Cloud smiled and pushed out against Nida, throwing him back against his staff and knocking both him and it to the ground. Victory was in his eyes as he placed the tip of the weapon near Nida's neck.

Nida was, luckily enough, unafraid of pain. His arm came up to press the blade away, much to the shock of the swordsman. With Siren's voice soothing him in his mind he was capable of ignoring the pain that came with the sword cutting into his skin as if it were only butter. And once he had enough room, Nida reached for his weapon with the uninjured arm and swung for Cloud, causing the man to have to back up to avoid the blade. It was all he needed, one second, to get back on his feet and deliver a kick to the man's wrist. The foot Nida had planted in preparation for the kick barely avoided having a toe cut off by the falling blade, but the mercenary didn't notice. Instantly he was on the offensive, delivering repeated, intentional near misses to drive Cloud back. Once he had the room to do so Nida moved low and with a kick knocked the blond to the ground.

With the swordsman laid out flat it was simple enough for Nida to finish their fight. He quickly straddled Cloud's body, planting his knees firmly into the ground. The blade of his staff was pressed carefully against Cloud's neck, and the weight of Nida's arms upon the weapon made sure that Cloud couldn't break free. Like this the pair rested for a few moments, one smiling and one smirking, until they had come down off the battle high.

Nida knew now just why he'd ended up in bed with Kiros, why he'd wanted Squall so bad and why he'd always been drawn to Seifer. It was the fiery lust that came with the edge, the dance of death. Every cell in your body was active, your heart was pounding in your ears, and you were undeniably alive. Oddly enough, even with this handsome blond before him, Nida's thoughts were all on Cid. After another moment he stood and held a hand out to the blond.

"You're good," Cloud said as he stood and moved to fetch his sword.

"I won't be able to beat you again," Nida laughed, "not if we were sparring. Only managed because you weren't expecting me to be willing to hurt myself for the victory."

Something in Nida's mind clicked then. His uniform! Shera was going to kill him! Quickly his fingers moved over the wound below the torn fabric and he called out to Siren. Before he realized the error in once more using magic before people he barely knew, his cut was healed. Then again, before he really thought about it he had removed his uniform jacket to inspect the bloody tear.

"Hyne, Shera just finished repairing it too!"

"Tifa," Cloud called over his shoulder. The older woman with Yuffie moved to his side, eyes wide. "Can you help him with his jacket? Nanaki, Vincent, Reeve, I need to speak with you for a moment. Cid, would you, Barret and Yuffie bring the table out. There isn't room to talk inside, and we're going to be talking for a while."

The people jumped to Cloud's command and he merely nodded to Nida. "Come with me."

It was an order, just like everything else up until now had been an order. But this one was different. The fact was that the tone wasn't the same. It wasn't something to be followed blindly. No, this one had an underlying hint of request. Nida could do little more than smile. He had won Cloud over. So now he had three of them on his side, and the one that had been referred to as Vincent seemed rather reasonable. Maybe… maybe things might turn out alright.

"In a moment. I have something I need to do," Nida said, smiling. Cloud just nodded and turned away. He wasn't HAPPY, but he wasn't going to demand Nida come with him anyway.

The SeeD, smiling to himself, picked up the fallen staff and entered the house as Cid had moments before. Once he reached the kitchen he found the other pilot easily, as the man was trying his best to struggle with Barret and a table. Yuffie herself was perched atop the table, smiling at them both. And Shera? Well she was looking on in near horror at the two men and the ninja girl.

"Cid," Nida called out. All four sets of eyes turned on him. He had the sense of being looked up and down, and turned scarlet when Yuffie gave him two enthusiastic thumbs up.

"Damn Nids, we need to get you more stuff like THAT!" she cheered, apparently appreciating the way his undershirt clung to his torso far better than Cid's had. What could he say; his shoulders weren't as broad and his torso not so large as Cid's.

"Shut your yap missy," Cid barked, setting his part of the table down. "What do ya want now kid?"

"First, I would appreciate it if you stopped calling me kid. I'm twenty one…"

"He's older than me!" Yuffie protested.

Nida continued as if she hadn't cut him off. "And secondly, might I have a word with you?"

With a sigh Cid followed the younger pilot into the storage room. Once there Nida handed over the bladed weapon. After it was in Cid's hands he pressed the older man against the wall and kissed him. It wasn't that little peck from the night before. Instead it was insistent, demanding, needy. His fingers snuck under the edge of Cid's shirt to tease at the muscles below. Before Cid could respond though, Nida pulled away and ran his fingers through his hair to make sure he still looked fine.

"Wha…" was all Cid managed to say, completely and utterly stunned.

"My friends always told me I should stop being backward about coming forward… But I think I was a little too forward there. I just…"

"Ya know… The way ya fight…"

"Someone once told me it was like a dance. And like any dance, he wasn't sure if he wanted to watch or join in," Nida almost purred into Cid's ear. The way the other man shuddered actually sent a shiver up Nida's own spine.

"And which did he prefer…?" Cid asked, and Nida was amused by the blond's sudden attempts to switch their position. A dominate one. That would be fun.

"Joining in. In fact, I believe he would have quite envied Cloud…"

And with that Nida turned and headed out of the room. "Don't forget to put that weapon away Cid. You might put someone's eye out."

Laughing to himself Nida retreated outside. He had a swordsman to speak with.